Buzzmaster

  (12:54 PM)

Kevin Seifert will be here at the top of the hour to take your NFL questions!

Kevin Seifert

  (1:00 PM)

Hi everyone. There are already hundreds of questions lined up here so I'm sorry in advance if I can't get to yours. We'll keep things somewhat NFC North-centric but I'll entertain a few questions from outside the division as well. OK, let's get one with it.

Kyle East Meadow New York

who do you see winning the quarterback battle in Minnesota? And do you see another quarterback joining the battle from the draft or free agency?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:02 PM)

First of all, I don't see another quarterback entering the derby at this point. I think it's between Jackson and Rosenfels. I've felt for a while that the Vikings would prefer Jackson to win the job, with Rosenfels or whoever else as the backup. I'll stand by that for now. I think Jackson is really going to have to fall on his face, or Rosenfels is really going to have to be lights-out, for it to go the other way.

Jonathan, Wilmington, NC

Houshmendzadeh a shoe in for the Vikes?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:03 PM)

Not at this point, no. From what the Star Tribune in Minneapolis is reporting, T.J. left town and headed home to Los Angeles late Sunday night. That indicates he's still working through his decision.

Chris (Norman,OK)

Kevin, big fan even though you aren't assigned to cover my 49ers. This Cutler business seems crazy to me. How do you try and trade a guy who could be the top QB in the league in a year or two? I say the 49ers call right now and offer their first 3 picks for him! Any chance they or the Lions make a move on him?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:04 PM)

The big problem with a Cutler trade now is that it would leave the Broncos without a quarterback. Part of the original deal was to get them Cassel. Now that the Chiefs have him, I don't know if the Broncos have an alternative. But the Lions would be on the list if it comes to that.

Zach (Chicago)

Kevin, what in the world is Jerry Angelo doing. Does he not see the Bears have 30 mil in cap room and about 11 holes on the roster?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:05 PM)

I'm sure you're speaking for many Bears fans. I wouldn't think this approach is a surprise, however. Angelo downplayed most big-name free agent possibilities at the combine and that's the way it has played out. To me, the Bears are putting their biggest emphasis on improving the team they have. That's why they're having their mandatory mini-camp in a couple weeks -- while a lot of free agents are still out on the market.

Andrew (Green Bay)

Kevin, what in the world is Ted Thompson doing. Does he not see the Packers have 30 mil in cap room and about 11 holes on the roster?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:07 PM)

Andrew, in this case it's a bit different than Chicago. I think the Packers know they have some holes to fill, but they're really opposed to getting into bidding wars to do it. They were reportedly on Chris Canty's list of visits, but they didn't indicate any willingness to bid against the Giants for him.

JD (MI)

Will Daunte Culpepper make it to the draft as a member of the Detroit Lions?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:08 PM)

Yes, and I believe he'll make it to training camp, too.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Either Zach and Andrew are the same person or that is one freaky coincidence.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:08 PM)

I'm going to guess the former.

Steiny (NYC)

What are your thoughts on Orlovsky signing with the Texans?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:09 PM)

I actually have more respect for Orlovsky than some other media members. The safety situation in Minnesota will always haunt him, but in general I think he's a gamer and the kind of guy you can rely on to be ready to play if your starter gets hurt. Do you want him playing 16 games? No. But how many backups can you say that about?

Mike (Detroit)

Thoughts on Detroit's deals so far? If they can sign another starting CB, it sets up the draft to take a QB, OL and focus on the front 7. Sound strategy?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:11 PM)

They had to do something at cornerback. They let Leigh Bodden go and there just weren't enough cornerbacks at their roster. I don't know if they've made a huge uprgrade or not, but it was an area to address. Regardless, I agree that the draft has to be mostly about rebuilding both lines.

Jared (Hastings, MN)

Kevin I was listening to KFAN this morning and they said he stayed over sunday and was still here in Mn as of 9am. With that do you think Housh will take less money to be in a better situation than more money to be on a crappy team.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:12 PM)

I guess there are conflicting reports, but I trust the Star Tribune's information that he's left town. I'm guessing he's not going to take a discount. Most players that make it to free agency, are looking to cash in. If he was truly about a better situation, you would think he would have signed with Minnesota by now.

Lenny (Medinah, IL)

With recent surgery, what do you think is the farthest that Michael Crabtree can fall in the upcoming draft?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:13 PM)

I think he'll still be a first-rounder, but I can't imagine he'll fall much below No. 15 or so.

Andrew (Green Bay)

We're different people -- I just thought you could say the exact same thing about the Packers lack of aggressiveness in free agency as you could say about Da Bears!

Kevin Seifert

  (1:14 PM)

Case solved.

Jason (Minneapolis)

Kev, what's the latest on Matty B?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:15 PM)

The word is he will start setting up some visits this week. None so far.

Miner (San Francisco)

Please tell me you don't think Matt Stafford is worthy of a top-10 pick. The guy routinely fell on his face at UGA. He couldn't win big games, and his team was usually far superior to its opponents.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:16 PM)

I wouldn't go that far, but I'm definitely not sold on him as a No. 1 overall pick. You always have to guard against making the top quarterback of the draft the automatic best player of the draft. That's what happened in 2005 with Alex Smith, and I think we all know the results. Stafford can succeed in the NFL, but there are probably better NFL players in this draft than him.

Rusty (Utah)

Kevin, why do you think the Vikings would attempt aggressively to sign an aging WR, but not an aging QB like Warner? Is it as simple as Childress still staking his professional future on Jackson? Seems he's trying hard to give him the opportunity to succeed.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:18 PM)

Excellent question, and one I don't understand the answer to. Over the past few years, the Vikings have been willing to throw relatively big money at almost every position -- including kicker, punter, long-snapper and fullback -- but not at quarterback. Inexplicable to me.

Aaron (Columbus)

Huge fan Kevin! Do you see Green Bay maybe taking a run at someone like Grady Jackson or Tank Johnson to take some pressure off of Pickett?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:18 PM)

I suppose it is possible. But I think the Packers' bigger focus has to be defensive end. The two guys penciled in right now, Johnny Jolly and Cullen Jenkins, haven't played that position in the NFL.

Steiny (NYC)

What is the latest on Corey Smith and Marquis Cooper? I would just like to say my heart goes out to them and their families.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:20 PM)

A television station in Tampa is reporting that the Coast Guard has found one man alive clinging to an overturned boat. Nothing is official, but the person is reported to be one of the other passengers -- not Smith or Cooper.

FR (Madison)

What about Tausher to Vikings?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:20 PM)

Jason Wilde of the Wisconsin State Journal has reported something along those lines. It's the same story for Minnesota as it would be for Green Bay: An injury risk. Tauscher is recuperating from a torn ACL and there is no way to know with 100 percent certainty when he will be healthy.

Brian (Philadelphia, PA)

Any word on the Bears trying to add anything else aside from Omiyale?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:21 PM)

They're trying to re-sign Kevin Jones, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. I would imagine they'll also start shopping in the safety market. I'm waiting to see if they have any interest in receivers.

Chatmaster

Kevin, what will the Bears do with Devin Hester this year? Are they going to use him mainly as a WR?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:23 PM)

Yes. Lovie Smith was talking about him as the Bears' No. 1 receiver. Smith believes they need to find someone, possibly from within the roster, to step into the No. 2 role.

Steve (nj)

Sharper to the Bears? How serious?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:24 PM)

It has seemed as though New Orleans is a better fit for Sharper for some time. But Sharper is smart and I'm sure he would like to have multiple teams to play bids off of.

Cody bristol Va [via mobile]

Kevin I love the eagles but it seems like they are trying to run mcnabb off all we had to do was sign housh and we were set for a playoff run.what are they thinking?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:24 PM)

I'm surprised they didn't express any interest, but his age -- 32 -- could be a factor. Let's wait and see if the pursue Boldin at some point.

tim,h burlington,iowa

kevin. do you see the bears making a move on fg running back warrick dunn.so he can help out matt forte in the back field.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:25 PM)

That wouldn't be a bad move, but it sounds like the Bears want to take a long look at Garret Wolfe in that role. We should know more after their upcoming mini-camp.

Dusty(Des Moines, IA)

Is Booty ever going to get his shot?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:26 PM)

Not any time soon, and I don't know that he's owed one quite yet.

Housh (LA or Minneapolis)

I'm lost. Can I borrow your GPS?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:27 PM)

I'll make it easy: If you see snow, you're in Minnesota. If you see anything Green, you've landed in Los Angeles. If you're soaked, that means you're in Seattle. If you get chili spilled on you, then you're Cincinnati. Or something like that.

matthew new philadelphia, oh

now with matt cassel going to KC and the 49ers trying to get kurt warner and orvloski going to HOU is it crazy for me to think that at least one of the two top qbs will be there at 17 for the jets?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:28 PM)

Very real chance that Mark Sanchez will be there. But I wonder if Freeman doesn't ultimately pass him before everything is said and done.

Chris (Norman,OK)

Kevin, any word on what the Lions were offering in the Cassel talks?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:30 PM)

Chris Mortensen and Peter King have reported that the Lions were offering their second-round pick, which is No. 33 overall and one spot above Kansas City's.

Alex Bronx, NY [via mobile]

Was there a good way for McDaniels to handle the Cutler trade talks?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:32 PM)

I don't know all of the details. I do know it wouldn't have been smart business to announce that they were entertaining offers. But if you're considering options, there is one school of thought that you keep the player abreast of things so that if it falls through, your relationship is maintained because you were honest. The way the Broncos reportedly approached it, they pretty much had to make the deal.

David Fairborn, OH

Have you had Cincinnati Chili? If so, are you a skyline or goldstar guy? If you live or grew up in Cincy, it was a rule you were one or the other. No excuses.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:33 PM)

I'm not from Cincy, but I have had Skyline. Good stuff.

Rybolt (LA)

I read a deal hasn't been penned with Cassel... is there any chance you see him being turned around and dealt to Denver anyway?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:34 PM)

Interesting thought but I would guess no. It's not often that a player on a one-year contract gets traded without a new contract, but I would think the Chiefs are working toward that goal.

CC (Atlanta)

What's with all the hate for Stafford? He has all the tools to be elite and he's not a head case. In case no one noticed, UGA's defense was the reason for 3 losses this past season. Most people panned ATL's pick of Ryan @ 3 last year too!

Kevin Seifert

  (1:36 PM)

The two knocks, if you want to call them knocks, have been that his accuracy wasn't always great and that his teams weren't big-time winners. In this case, "hate" is a relative term. He's still the best quarterback in the draft and a certainly a top-10 to top-15 pick. The No. 1 overall pick is the highest standard there is.

Bobby (Toledo, OH)

Did I get lost in the AFC West chatroom?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:36 PM)

Well, I am good friends with Bill Williamson ..

Chris (Millsboro, DE)

Any word on the Vikings stadium situation at this point? With increased commitment from the team to be a winner are they inching closer?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:37 PM)

I don't see it happening this year. Too many other economic issues on the table. This thing will become a crisis before it gets solved, if it gets solved.

Mick -Farmington MN

Would trading Urlacher for picks be worth it? and what kind of picks would they get? KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK !!! KEVIN

Kevin Seifert

  (1:38 PM)

Thanks Mick. I suppose it depends on what the Bears could get for him, but the good news would be they have an option if Urlacher leaves. You could slide Lance Briggs to middle linebacker and arguably get a better performance. That said, I have a hard time believing Lovie Smith wants to part with Urlacher or any of the other main cogs on the defense.

Rob (NY, NY)

Any chance Packers trade up to get Curry? I know it goes against recent history but this guy looks like he's really special.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:40 PM)

I suppose it's possible, but then you get into the question of where you would play him in an NFL 3-4 defense. If I had to guess, I would say the Packers stay at No. 9.

Rob (Arlington Heights, IL)

Is it 100% that "Kyle is our quarterback" or is there any chance we could see a different guy lining up under center for Da Bears? Angelo doesn't seem as confident in him as Lovie.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:41 PM)

Angelo's job is to look long-term, and so in that regard I don't know that he's convinced Orton is the long-term guy. But for this season, I think Smith is pretty committed to him.

Bobby (Toledo, OH)

Any more word on the Lions trying to change up their uniforms/colors?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:42 PM)

Nothing beyond Tom Lewand's vague answers to questions about a change for 2009. Seems like it's a matter of when, not if. I think the colors remain the same, though.

chris (fort collins)

kevin, ALL I want to know is how big of an impact housh would have on the vikes I never get answered though

Kevin Seifert

  (1:44 PM)

Frankly, I'm a little surprised they are looking to spend more money at wide receiver. But he could be pretty dangerous with Berrian on the other side, Peterson in the backfield and Shiancoe at tight end. That is a pretty good arsenal of weapons. The Vikings will be a running team as long as Peterson is in the game, but you'd think Housh would have a lot of opportunities, especially in the red zone.

Rob (Chicago, IL)

Is Omiyale a real answer to the O-line needs the Bears have? He only started 1 game in 2008!

Kevin Seifert

  (1:46 PM)

I think he gives them a good chance to improve at one position. If they can't find anyone else to replace John Tait at right tackle, he could fit in there and do a respectable job. But if they do find someone, either through free agency or the draft, then they can slide him into one of the guard positions.

Rob San Diego, CA

From what I see the Vikings have shown they don't appreciate the quarterback position by who they've lined up there since Daunte "went south". When I look at potential of qb's to succeed I'd like to see them have a number of 300 yard games. With T Jackson aren't his best games in the low 200's and a precious few of those?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:47 PM)

It does seem like they're willing to spend big money on every other position. But on the other hand, there are almost never outstanding quarterbacks available on the market.

Dave (Spring,TX)

Could Derrick Brooks end up in Chicago, I would like to see that.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:49 PM)

I like the idea, and the connection with Lovie Smith and Rod Marinelli is a sound one. It would require some scheme adjustment with Lance Briggs, but it could be done.

Noah (NYC)

Seriously, Giants defense. Best in the league?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:49 PM)

I think they have the most pass rushers, yes.

Bryan (Chitown)

What's going on with St. Clair? You think he's signing the offer he has from the Bears? I think he would be a key signing with an offensive line in flux.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:51 PM)

Agreed, but there doesn't seem to be urgency from either side. It could be that the Bears are waiting for his market to estabish itself after they couldn't agree on a deal before the market opened.

Chris (Chicago) [via mobile]

Kevin shoud the Bears go after Micheal Vick. If so how would he fit in with the Bears.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:51 PM)

It's probably a moot point because he'll face a significant NFL penalty before he's eligible to play again. Probably something to talk about next year at this time.

Dave (Indianapolis)

Your ESPN co-worker Michael Smith just speculated that Houshmandzadeh will end up going back to Seattle, and the visit to the Vikings was just to keep his word that he would visit. What do you think? And where do you think Housh will end up?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:52 PM)

I haven't seen that report but it makes sense. The Vikings were really trying to recruit him, and it had worked, it's logical to assume he would have signed before he left.

Bobby (Toledo, OH)

Seriously, why did Clifton play so terrible last year? Did Favre's quick release cover him up all these years or what?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:54 PM)

No, I think the knee injuries caught up to Clifton last year. He practiced on a limited basis for most of the season, and that can affect your stamina and your reaction time. He's had clean-up procedures on both knees already and the Packers hope he'll be better in 2009.

Gary, Seattle

Kevin, who is this DT Cole, and will he fill the most glaring weakness for the Hawks last year, pass rush?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:55 PM)

I have to say I'm a bit surprised at the kind of deal Cole got, mostly because he's never been a full-time player. He's got a little juice in the pass rush, but I can't stand here and tell you he's ready to be a full-time starter.

Jacob (Michigan)

Kevin, I know its is setting up for the Lions to take Stafford but what about Pat White. I think he could have an Mike Vick kind of impact, sans the dogs?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:57 PM)

Ha. White is an intriguing candidate, and Scott Linehan is the kind of coordinator who can build a scheme around whatever skills his players have. I don't know if the Lions have specific interest in him, but it does make a lot of sense that they would pursue quarterback options later in the draft.

Bobby (Toledo, OH)

Gary, as a Packers fan, he had one awesome game last year, against Seattle, I think Seahawk management got way too excited after seeing that.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:57 PM)

Thanks, Bobby.

Tony (Chicago)

If the Lions take Curry #1, do you think Andre Smith will be there at #20 for them (if he's even worthy of that pick anymore)?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:58 PM)

We'll see how his Pro Day goes, but it's very possible he'll be available. Which should give the Lions serious pause about taking him at No. 20.

Bobby (Toledo, OH)

If Crabtree is there at 9, I realize it is not a need. But does GB take him as a successor to Driver? He would definitely be BPA.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:59 PM)

I think they should give serious thought to it, yes.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:00 PM)

OK, everyone. We had overwhelming interest today. Sorry I couldn't get to everyone, or even most of you. Chat with you next week.